A pair of carved ivory adorned stockings garters, ivory attached to original garters made of pink and pale green silk.France, late 18th century. They are 2.5 inches long. Ivory frame.
Garters were fastened about the leg and used to keep up stockings. In the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, they were tied just below the knee, where the leg was slenderest, to keep the stocking from slipping. Garters were often adorned with ribbons, bells or attached jewels. Not many survived; I have never seen anything like this. But I may be wrong. If anyone has come across this interesting fashion detail – your item added or your comment are much appreciated.